I was diagnosed with Acid Reflux about 12 years ago and was initially put on Prevacid. I have taken almost all of the name brand drugs during those 12 years, and the generic Omaprazole also. My question is does this long term use affect your bowel and it's capabilities to function properly? I take no other prescription drugs even though I am approaching 77. Colon cancer runs in my family, so I have had colonscopies on a regular basis. Now I have been told that I have a slow transit colon, so suffer from regular bouts of constipation. I had my last colonoscopy this past April, and there were two very small polops. My doctor suggested that I needed only a small dose of MOM every other night, but I find it to be irritating. A nurse present at my last scope said that I probably only needed stool softners. My biggest success has been a combination of stool softners and Benefiber once a day, but eventually, I do get clogged and have to rely on a laxative and then start all over to try to get my bowel regulated. I have never had any allergies until I tried taking Metamucil, and I'm allergic to the fiber in that product. Mirror-lax also does not agree with me. Since I have been on the GERD medications for so long, could those products have had an adverse affect on my colon lining. I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions.

Your story is my story. I'm 67 years old. I've been told I'll be on PPI's for the rest of my life do to GERD, hiatal hernia, gastritis and ulcers. Colon cancer runs in my family. Two small polyps have been found and removed in my last colonoscopy. And I have problems with constipation. I pretty much live on Milk of magnesia with an occasional stronger laxative. The doctors keep telling me to just eat fiber, fiber, fiber! BUT...I cannot take any of the fiber type meds or eat high fiber foods because they give me terrible gas and cramps and actually make the problem much worse.

PPIs have caused me constipation - the higher the dose the worse the constipation. I take DGL licorice to help the rebound as I try to come off the PPIs. I find it very good, but additionally it has the added benefit of helping alleviate the constipation. You could try that, it can do no harm and may be a big help.

Beat way to take is to get capsules and open them and pour the powder into warm (boiled) water and make a drink. Start by trying 2 capsules and if that doesnt work try 2 twice a day. Start slowly as they can be too laxative!!